Inclement Weather Policy and Closures
Safety is our top priority. For the latest information about cooling centers, tips for staying safe and updates to city services, please visit this page:
Inclement Weather Information and Closures
PP&R classes, activities, rentals, and sports events may be canceled due to inclement weather, such as ice, snow, or extreme heat. Call 503-823-2533 or visit portland.gov/parks/closures for the most current information. Some recreation programs may run as conditions and staff availability allow. Safety is a major factor in determining operations at each PP&R facility. PP&R facilities, our social media outlets, and our website will all feature operating information including opening and closing times.
WE'RE HIRING
Portland Parks & Recreation is looking for team-oriented, enthusiastic, and qualified staff! Join our team today.
Learn about all of our employment opportunities
Access Discount Program - Reduced Pricing
Thanks to the Parks Local Option Levy, Portland residents can get a discount on program and activity fees. Use the discount for community center and pool admission, preschool and after-school programs, classes, camps, swim lessons, and more.
To get a discount, first register for the Access Discount Program, select a discount amount, and then use it for select activities. No proof of income is required. Discount is valid for 12 months from registration date. Go to any community or arts center for more information about how to register.
Choose a discount: 25, 50, 75, or 90%
Learn more about the Access Discount Program
Sign Up for Activities
PDF of Summer 2025 Activity Guide
Register online, over the phone through the Customer Service Center (503-823-2525), or by calling or visiting a recreation or arts center. If cost is a barrier to participating, consider signing up for an Access Discount (more information above).
- Summer programs open for registration on the following dates:
- Thursday, May 15 beginning at 9:30am. Register for classes and programs that take place June 23- July 27.
- Thursday, June 12 beginning at 9:30am. Register for classes and programs that take place July 28-August 24.
- Thursday, July 24 beginning at 9:30am. Register for classes and programs that take place September 2-September 28.
Project Connect: Visit the Project Connect webpage to learn more about how PP&R provides different ways to bring the community and services together.
Drop-In Activities
Toddler gym: Mon & Wed 9am to 11am Sensory Friendly Gym: Tues & Thurs 9am to 11am Youth Open Gym: Mon-Fri 3:30pm to 5pm Pickleball: Mon - Wed - Fri 12pm to 2pm And here are the new building hours: Monday - Friday 8am to 6pm
- Monday
9–11am: Toddler GymAges 6mo– 3 yrs. $1/child
12–2pm: Adult Pickleball ($6/Adult, $5/Senior)
3:30–5pm: Youth/Teen Open Gym (age 20 and younger, FREE) - Tuesday
9–11am: Sensory Friendly Gym (age 2–5 years, $1/child)
3:30–5pm: Youth/Teen Open Gym (age 20 and younger, FREE) - Wednesday
9–11am: Toddler GymAges 6mo– 3 yrs. $1/child
12–2pm: Adult Pickleball ($6/Adult, $5/Senior)
3:30–5pm: Youth/Teen Open Gym (age 20 and younger, FREE) - Thursday
9–11am: Sensory Friendly Gym (age 2–5 years, $1/child)
3:30–5pm: Youth/Teen Open Gym (age 20 and younger, FREE) - Friday
12–2pm: Adult Pickleball ($6/Adult, $5/Senior)
3:30–5pm: Youth/Teen Open Gym (age 20 and younger, FREE)
Portland Parks Preschool
Monday-Friday | 9am-3pm
2025-2026 school year applications open on the Preschool for All | Multnomah County website on Wednesday, April 2, and will close on Wednesday, April 30.
Applicants will be asked to list up to 6 location choices on their application. Multnomah County runs a lottery and notifies families of enrollment status by the end of May.
Learn more about Portland Parks Preschool at portland.gov/parks/preschool.
SOAR (Afterschool Program)
Student Oriented Afterschool Recreation
A school year program serving grades K-5 from James John and Sitton Elementary Schools. We provide transportation from school to our center.
An enriching environment with entertaining and challenging activities that enhance children's development and promotes self-esteem. Relish opportunities such as homework help, sports and games, social interaction, arts and crafts, education, and time making new friends. The place to be! SOAR does not operate on Portland Public School non-school days.
- For more information, please call 503-823-3192.
- To secure a space in our program, a $40 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. If this is a barrier to participation, the deposit can be collected at a later date upon request.
For further information of the Non-Discrimination statement, please visit the USDA Civil Rights webpage.
Built in 1940, this center was originally part of a recreation complex that served the large number of workers in the Kaiser shipyards during World War II. When the war was over, the pre-fabricated building was dismantled and moved on flatbed trucks, piece by piece, to its current location. This new home was two blocks from the center of downtown St. Johns, at the edge of a large cherry and prune orchard. Some of the old fruit trees still stand on the center's grounds.
In 1998-99, a number of improvements were made using funds from 1994 General Obligation Bond. In 2018, St. Johns Community Center received a roof and HVAC system replacement thanks to funds from the Parks Replacement Bond.